1. Don't be afraid to ask for what you need!
When I first started, I was only offered a partial funding package and a part time job. I accepted with the mentality that nothing is set in stone and changes can be made. Fast forward to the end of my first year and now for the rest of my program I will be TAing with full funding! This is all because I just simply reached out to the head of graduate funding for my school and asked if any TAing positions would be opening up for next year. At first I was told no and was disappointed, but because I reached out, I was the first person they had in mind. Two weeks later a position ended up opening and was offered to me.
2. Reach out to professors if you want to gain experience!
Because my program is heavily research based, any experience I can get with analyzing or collecting data is necessary. Professors most of the time always have a project they have started that is collecting dust because they don't have time to look at the data. If you have a professor with the same interests as you, it never hurts to send them an e-mail asking if they have any projects they need help with. Even if they don't, they'll most likely keep you in mind for any future projects. Having those connections not only will give you more experience, but helps with future job positions when you need references as well.
3. Everyone is in this together!
Connecting with your colleagues is extremely important. Not to sound high and mighty, but it's really hard to understand what being in a PhD program is like unless you're in one. It's almost like having a full time job and a part time job at the same time. Without my close friend in my program, I would be more of a stressball than I already am. It's great to have someone not only to vent to but also be able to sit with and get work done. We started bi-weekly meetings just for an hour for everyone in our program to relax, de-stress, and also connect with each other.
